Envoy: NZ doing everything to support those affected by attack
KUALA LUMPUR: The New Zealand government and its people are doing everything possible to heal, support, console and reassure those affected by the attack on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, said New Zealand’s High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, Hunter Nottage.
“Our focus is compassion and support to those impacted by this tragedy,” he said in a phone interview.
On Friday, a mass shooting happened at two mosques, the Al Noor and Linwood in Christchurch, during Friday prayers. Fifty people have died and more than 40 people have been injured.
The New Zealand high commission in Kuala Lumpur expressed sympathy to those affected.
“Our thoughts are very much with the Malaysian victims, with their families and communities. Malaysia and New Zealand share a long history of friendship and people-to-people connections. Many of you will be worried and have questions,” said Nottage.
He said his government was grateful for the sympathy and support expressed by Yang diPertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Malaysian government and many friends in Malaysia.
“The safety and support of Malaysians affected are of paramount importance to New Zealand and our agencies. Family members concerned about the whereabouts of their loved ones can contact the New Zealand police at 0800-115019 (in New Zealand) or +64-33534532 (from outside New Zealand).”
Nottage said officials from the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington were in Christchurch, joined by Malaysian Foreign Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Nadzirah Osman, to provide support to victims and their families.
Nottage advised Malaysians to monitor any travel advisory by Wisma Putra for those planning to travel to New Zealand.
“Our understanding is that the travel advisory at this point has not changed dramatically, but you need to keep checking it because it is a situation of violence.
“However, from what we have seen, from the New Zealand police and their website providing constant updates, the risk (was only) shortly after the incident.
“There will be an increased police presence on the ground, in particular but not limited to, the mosques in New Zealand. And that will occur and keep going on for as long as necessary. At this point, safety is paramount, and that is the key focus of New Zealand and its agencies.”
Nottage said the New Zealand authorities acted swiftly in response to this abhorrent act and police have made arrests, with one person charged on Saturday.
Australian-born 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant was charged with murder.
He was remanded without a plea and is due back in court on April 5, where police said he likely faced further charges.
“This extreme violence is unprecedented in our history. It does not represent who we are as a country and we utterly condemn those responsible,” Nottage said.